It is a small clearing in the Cursed Woods where our adventurers had their final confrontation with Zinaida, the high priestess of the Akrindorians. Quickly the bodies of her and her slain warriors are all dragged to the brush. Malik looks about, rubbing his injured arm. "I think we are on the barbarian's side of the Cursed Woods. I'm going to check the area out really fast."
"Be careful," says Alex, sheathing her two katanas now that the battle is over.
While Malik goes off to look around Gashnak goes over to Jinx, who is dirtied and looks exhausted. There are deep, dark circles around her usually sparkling eyes and she has the appearance of somebody who has gone through hell. Or at least the Underworld.
"Hanging in there Jinx?" He asks, handing her some water to drink down.
"I'm tired," is all she manages to say. The takes a small drink before handing it back. Alex goes over to her and sits by her, putting an arm over her shoulder.
"Gashnak, we need to rest. Most of us are okay but we are tired. These last few battles and running through that other dimension has taken it's toll."
The big orc nods his head. "We've got some time. Malik is scouting around and I'm not sure where we really are. We'll rest up a few hours."
With that both Jinx and Alex lean back up against a darkend tree. With her cloak Alex puts it across her and Jinx and it's magic works. They are almost instantly camoflauged, impossible to see with normal eyesight. Taking a deep breath, Gashnak can still smell the scent of the two girls and knows he will be able to find them again if need be.
Alric buzzes over the corpses, using his magics to detect if there is power with anything they have. Much to his disappointment he finds nothing. He sees Kazier checking over General Rangh's armor and goes to him. There is quite a bit of power radiating from the silver and gold plate mail.
Before too long Wilford, and Kazier all find places to rest, beneath the shade of the great trees of the Cursed Woods. They close their eyes and almost immediately go to sleep.
Alric sits on Gashnak's shoulder, while he and Dril still stay up, waiting to hear what Malik has to report before charting another course of action.
Moving stealthfully through the woods, Malik gets to it's edge. Gazing through the branches he sees in the far distance, nestled between the mountains in the besieged city of Draman Del. Amazingly, it looks like they are still holding out.
On the plains here, there are old Zenith encampments and bands of them wandering about as if in search of something or in wait. Looking over to the mountainside he sees what looks like a large cave opening. Travelling back to Draman Del would be a very long walk and they would have to pass by a lot of ‘friends' on the way to do it.
Quickly he returns and tells those who are awake what he's seen.
Gashnak nods. "Hmnmm, I think it might be that old cave where we first encountered Zinaida. The one where we discovered Gadrath's Tower."
Slowly Dril sits down, tiredness coming over him. "Well, we ought to check it out before going on. I blew up the cave again as they were digging through, but who knows now. They might have dug a way through. We could use it to sneak back into the city."
"Then that's what we'll do," says Gashnak. "Rest up a few hours and then we'll go on. I think we've got about six hours of daylight left anyway. Better to move under the cover of night."
"I think we ought to check the cave out now," says Dril. "Alric and I can sneak that way and take a looksee. If it looks good we can go that way at nightfall. If not, we can try and figure another way to get around to Draman Del."
Both Dril and Alric head off then, to try and learn more about that cave. Though his armor is a deep red, the small sprig is remarkably able to almost vanish into the brush and behind trees. Alric too is quite adept at remaining unseen when he wants to be.
Malik climbs a tree and keeps watch. He's tired like the rest, but he knows his eyesight and ability with a bow are good. If any barbarian patrols come this way looking for their High Priestess he will be able to see them a long way out.
Gashnak remains awake, going over to Rangh's armor and looking at it. He does some heavy thinking, wondering if he might be able to fit into it to fool the Akrindorians. The armor is big and elegant, but it looks too small for such a broad shouldered person as himself.
While the others sleep he does go to Zinaida's head and gives it a little tap with his foot. Her dead eyes gaze up at him, flies already buzzing around, preparing to feed on the cooling flesh. "Have fun serving Marg," he says under his breath.
Together Dril and Alric move through the twisted branches and thorn patches of the Cursed Woods. Large millipedes, spiders, and other unwholesome insects move about as they travel through it making all the noise of a long-eared hopper. That is to say they make little noise and move with ease. Areas like these are truly more of a home to them than any of the cities of the biggers throughout the world.
Arriving at the edge of the forest they both see the barbarian patrols moving about. Small groups, usually less than ten. They seem to be foraging, or looking for stuff to do. Many look injured, probably hurt in the ferocious fighting going on at the city.
Alric smiles his pixie smile. "Too bad we don't have enough gunpowder to blow them all, and I do mean THEM ALL up!"
Hearing that brings back to Dril fond memories of screams and the huge explosion down in the tunnels. "Yah, yah it would."
With great care, they move across the plains, keep low and sticking close to the bits of brush and tall grasses that are here and there. Soon they make it to the cave opening and go in. Alric now sitting on Dril's shoulder, not wanting to make any light by flying.
In they go and it opens into a great cavern. Dril moves around some, looking at the stones and rock with his one good eye. He's no dwarf but he knows the ways of the earth. "This is the cave we blew up. I recognize it."
Going to where the tunnel collapsed there are the decaying remains of several luckless barbarians who got crushed when it caved in. The way through the sewers is totally blocked off by tons and tons of collapsed rock. But, farther back and to the side, there is another tunnel. Looking into it both Alric and Dril can see that it leads into the great chamber where Gadrath's Tower was.
"Damn," says the ill-tempered sprig. "They might have gotten through to the gate."
Alric shakes his head. "I don't know about that. It took a lot of thinking and magic on our part, and I don't know if their type of spellcasting could have done what we did."
Taking another look around, again gazing over the slain barbarians, Dril nods. "Let's get back to Gashnak and the others and let them know what's going on."
Making their way back the two get to Malik and Gashnak, the only ones who are awake. "What did you guys find?" Asks Malik, not really anxious to try and sneak his way through enemy lines or over the mountains.
Both Dril and Alric explain what they've seen. "The tunnel is plugged up, but there is a way to Gadrath's Tower."
Alric buzzes up, hovering in the air, his wings humming. "We could go to the tower and go through the gate back into the city!"
Gashnak shakes his head. "No. It would take too long. Last time it took us six days to arrive there. That happens again the city could be in enemy hands."
"But the gate is based on wild magics, I know that!" Replies Alric. "We could get through much faster this time. Every time it is used it is different. Trust me! It is the way to go!"
This causes Malik to laugh a little. "You mean we might get back to the city before we left it then?"
Alric frowns. "No, nothing like that. That is stupid. We might make it back in just moments . . ."
"Or a week," says Gashnak.
Dril sits down, weariness finally coming to him too. "Well, it's either that or battling our way through the barbarians. If we go that way we probably will kill a hundred or two but we won't make it to the city."
There is an uneasy silence for a few moments. "We try for the gate then," says Gashnak finally. "But somebody needs to wear General Rangh's armor, just to help demoralize the enemy. Remember what he said."
Malik leans back against a tree, still keeping observant but resting as much as he can. "Who ever wears it will draw a lot of attention."
"That it will," says Gashnak, looking over to the silver and gold armor.
The sun travels slowly overhead, through the blue skies. Gashnak and Malik watch the passage of time, staying alert while all else regain their strength. Eventually, the sun sinks into the west, behind the mountains. It turns to twilight, time for them to move on.
Gashnak goes to the still hidden Jinx and Alex. "Time to wake up. It's nearly nightfall, we need to move on. Time to save Draman Del."
Alex throws the chameleonic cloak aside, putting her arms to the air and stretching. Jinx opens her eyes and still looks exhausted. But she has gone through so much more than the rest of them. Jinx looks up at Gashnak, and he gives her a hand helping her to her feet. "It's bigger than Draman Del Gashnak, even bigger than Corvel. We've got to keep Marg from coming back."
"One battle at a time my dear," he says with a toothy grin.
Everyone is told of the plan to make it back to Gadrath's Tower, trusting Alric's word that the wild magics will enable them to make it back safely to the city. They just hope that it is faster than before.
Kazier takes Rangh's armor and straps it onto his back, covering it with his dark blue cloak. "I'll carry this crap for now, but sooner or later somebody's got to use it."
Travelling towards the cave they spot a small group of barbarians who are outside it. They seem to be using it as a place to relieve themselves. Malik, Gashnak, and Kazier all prepare ranged shots and quickly kill several of the unsuspecting warriors that are there. Arrow and a hurled axe do quite a bit of damage. The remaining bunch roars in startled defiance and goes charging at them in the woods. As they close Kazier throws a handfull of blades and Alric blows several away with his very powerful magical stings. Not one makes it to within striking range before being killed.
However all this activity has made a lot of noise and drawn attention. Other barbarian groups out on the plains have seen this small encounter, just as the purplish skies overhead turn black. The group then goes to run, hoping to outrun the mobs of Akrindorians that will soon be right behind them.
Looking back Gashnak sees that Jinx is struggling to keep up. He moves back to her and lifts her into the air, carrying her in his powerful arms.
This really makes her angry. The priestess hits Gashnak a time or two on the shoulder with her fist. He can feel that she is very light, she's obviously lost a lot of weight. Her ordeal in the Underworld when she released so many souls took a great deal from her. "Don't pick me up! I can make it on my own!"
He gives her a smile. "Don't worry Jinx, let me help you. I can run easy for the both of us." Gashnak does run with her quite easily, she weighs almost nothing. "I know you want to do it on your own but you have done that and more. Let me help you for once."
With reluctance she puts an arm around his neck and lets him carry her on through into the great cavern and into the one beyond where Gadrath's Tower lies. Alric throws up a few light spells to help everone see along the way.
From behind they can hear the howls and roars of the barbarians, they are getting closer and closer. There are only a couple of dozen, but still, they don't want to have to fight them because more and more will come and eventually they would be overwhelmed. The scattered groups are running together.
The dark lake before Gadrath's Tower is very low, but still cold and deep enough as to not to want to cross. Alric uses his magics to turn into a great King Owl and flies everyone over one at at time as he had done before. Dril goes first and Gargash last with Jinx in the middle.
On the other side there are lots of obvious tracks in the mud here. The Zenith had come over and had done their dammedest to open the stone door before them, totally without success. "I don't think they made it through," says Wilford, carefully examining the door and the ground. "They tried, but they didn't make it."
Doing the same as they had done before, Alric transforms Kazier into a bug and he goes under the door and assumes his normal form on the other side. It is not too long before all are in and they are making their way quickly through the tower, past the shattered golems and areas they had travelled through before.
Behind them they leave the barbarians that were giving chase. They swim across the cold waters of the lake and beat with their weapons against the great, stone door. Looking up at the tower they wave their weapons, cursing and complaining.
The great cylinder that was here is now gone. It sank down into the body of water below, helping cause the great flood some days ago in Draman Del helping save that city for a time. Before long they pass by the stone desk, travel downstairs, and stand before the gateway once more.
"I hope these wild magics work," says Dril, hefting up his two-sided blood axe.
"Don't we all," replies Alex.
Malik goes to the handprint and activates it. "We need to move."
Once more the dark wall becomes a swirling mass of pearlescant light. Without hesitation Gashnak steps through, still carrying Jinx. Soon everyone follows and they are again down in the chamber beneath the Old Book Inn. However it is very wet and muddy here now. Obviously the floodwaters have done some damage here but it has been long enough for it to dry out some.
Above, in the far distance, they can hear the clashing of arms, the sounds of battle. Kazier sets Rangh's armor down on the floor, and looks over to Gashnak. Jinx looks into his feral, blue eyes and gives him a reassuring smile.
"It's time for you to be the hero." She looks to Asgadrath. "You've used his sword after all." Carefully he puts Jinx down, and looks the armor over.
Without word he takes off the armor of Ara of the 7 winds, getting down to a loincloth and bare skin, and then starts putting on Rangh's armor. Alex goes and helps him out. The breastplate is put on first, then the leggings, and arm pieces. Bit by bit Gashnak gets covered up in the elegantly crafted armor of the ancient hero. The last part that goes on is the helmet, slipping over his head.
He turns, the armor is very tight and uncomfortable. Something odd happens then, it shifts and re-forms, moulding itself to his body. With Asgadrath at his side, Gashnak looks very, very different in the silver and gold plate mail.
Gashnak looks to Alex, who is giving him an odd look. Everyone else is looking too, for he doesn't look anything like his old, swashbuckling self. "So, how do I look?" He asks, raising his arms in the air and looking at his armored and gloved hands.
There is a laugh from Alex. "You look majestically silly."
"Good!" He replies, smiling at her friendly jab.
She comes up and runs her hands over his shoulders and chest. "I am surprised it fits you. Rangh was human, a big human, but you, well, you aren't." He looks into her beautiful, green eyes and gives her a smile, a smile she hasn't seen in a long time. One that he used to give back when he was still crazy, thinking he was an elf.
Drawing Asgadrath from it's sheath he swishes it around in the air a few times. It feels just right. "The armor has altered itself for me, that is why it fits. I am surprised by this too."
As carefully as they can they travel up the stairs, through the water-damaged Old Book Inn. The roof is collapsed, and the there are still pools of water and mud everywhere. An odd chair or table can still be seen, but the place was certainly hit hard when the flood came.
Outside these damp ruins comes the sound of fighting. Alric carefully looks ahead, seeing what he can see. It's nightfall outside, and the barbarians are everywhere. The intense fighting seems to be ahead, and there are many Akrindorian archers at the top wall firing at what must be Draman Del soldiers. Over to one side there is a tunnel towards some of the inner walls. From the way it looks it seems like they are having trouble getting through, clumping up. There might be friendly defenders there.
Using hand signals, Gashnak points at the tunnel and all start moving towards it. Jinx is in the center with Gashnak in the lead. If anything, she is going to be protected. Alex, Wilford are on one side, Kazier and Dril on the other. Malik is in the rear, with his bow, ready to shoot anybody that comes there way. On Jinx's shoulder sits Alric, ready to start casting when need be.
Moving across that short distance they are spotted by some shaggy barbarian nearby. He yells out and points in their direction. In seconds an unruly mob of these savages comes running as fast as their legs can carry them in their direction. Axes, swords, spiked clubs, spears and all other manner of weapons are what they are waving in their hands.
Once spotted they give up all attempts at being sneaky. They charge forward, ready to meet the barbarians once they make contact.
Gashnak points ahead with his sword, towards the tunnel. "Alric! Blow a hole through that mob so we can make it through! Hurry!"
The pixie lifts off of Jinx's shoulder, his waspish wings buzzing, a dull glow of light all around him now. He looks at the crowd ahead, which is slowly turning around, and begins to prepare his magics.
As one comes howling up towards Wilford, the duellist aims and calmly fires his pistol. There is the sharp thunderclap of it going off and the man drops to his knees, clutching at his chest where the round tore through flesh and bone.
Dril hurls his hanji-shah, and it howls through the air. It strikes one barbarian waving a spear, neatly cleaving him in two. The bloodied weapon then spins back to the sprig, who grabs it, ready to do more. A wild grin of malicious joy is on his face.
Being in the rear, Malik rapidly fires off a few shots from his bow. His arrows bury themselves in necks and heads. The struck foes howl or just drop. Once in melee he knows he is screwed because he is much better with the bow and with a sword.
The Akrindorians on the wall see them now and begin firing arrows down at them. One strikes Dril in the shoulder and sticks, but he is unharmed. His red dragon-hide armor protects him easily. Most of the arrow miss, since they are moving so quickly and it is at night.
With her two swords, Alex slices and slashes any that come near her. None ever get a chance to land a blow before being dealt a mortal wound or having a limb cut off. She fights with a calm precison, one coming from years of practice in the cold lands of Sigel.
Those that get near Kazier get their face or chest struck with hurled blades. The elven warrior in dark armor is quite adept at hurling knives at close range. He learned a lot of this from his time spent with Dril over the past few months. Enemies have a tough time fighting you when they have a knife in their eye or neck.
Having brought his powers up to their greatest peak, the pixie blasts ahead. There are two enormous explosions of magic. The Akrindorians in the tunnel are either incinerated or blown into gory shreds by the violent intensity of the damaging magics. Fire gouts out the other side as he hurls yet another spell their way, sorely draining his abilities for a time.
When the group makes it to the tunnel, all that is left of the enemy are charred and smoking bodies laying everywhere. They run on by and out the other side as fast as they can. Jinx looks on in amazed horror at all those that the tiny pixie has just killed, and knows that their numbers are three dozen at least. Blackend bones, eyeless skulls, burning flesh greets them there.
The little pixie is friendly, funny, gregarious. But he is also very, very deadly.
On the other side the Akrindorians are fiercely clashing with the soldiers of Draman Del With Gashnak in the lead, hewing about with Asgadrath, the group quickly chops their way through the rear of the enemy ranks and makes it to their allies. Once there they turn around and begin fighting back at the barbarians with everything they have.
Jinx falls back, barely standing on her feet and Alex goes with her to give protection.
For the next few hours, Gashnak, Malik, Kazier, Wilford, Dril, and Alric battle along with the Draman Del warriors. They battle furiously at the barbarians, leading the push that drives the enemy back, forcing them to go back to the 4th wall. It is a ferocious bloodfest, with corpses piling high everywhere.
Once they are smashed back to a point, the Draman defenders fall back to regroup. They are thrilled, though surprised to see the group. Many hands get clapped on their shoulders, for many had thought the group killed or lost.
A haggard General Treman comes to us and salutes. He looks exhausted, like everyone else here. "I saw what you did down there pixie, excellent work. My apologies for anything I might have said before that could have offended you."
Alric flies into the air and lowers his head, smiling. "That's okay. I just do what I can like everybody else!"
Tremen looks at Gashnak, shakes his head a bit, and then looks over the wall. "There is a second Gawk out there. It killed Ethel, the leader of the Shadows. We've been pushed back here to the third wall, not too many more to go before the end."
"How about our reinforcements?" Asks Gashnak.
The general sighs, slowly turning around. "They are still three to four days away at best. We can certainly use your help tomorrow. Everyone is exhausted, we even have our wounded fighting at the walls. All our numbers are dwindling."
"What about Innikus of the Red Priests?" Asks Dril.
"He is alive, but even they are taking casualties. There are just too many enemies," growls Tremen in frustration.
"There is some good news I can tell you," says Gashnak. "We did kill the traitor Bandigel and Zinaida on our way here."
Treman sighs, and gives a small smile. "That is nice to hear but we need more than that. Get some rest, tomorrow will be the final battle I am afraid." He looks at Gashnak more carefully.
"I take it you didn't find General Rangh then?"
Kazier steps up. "It is a long story sir. We found him but he couldn't return with us. There is a lot more to tell but we don't have the time. But we did get his armor."
Slowly Treman nods his head, rubbing a dirty hand across his face. "Well it seems to fit your friend remarkably well. If the Akrindorians see you in it they might be freaked, for a moment or two before they realize you are just an orc. The Gawk will be back tomorrow. It would be very helpful for us if you could kill it like you did the one before . . . If you think you can."
With that Dril throws his head back and laughs. "We'll kill that beast, have no worry about that Treman!" Holding the blood-axe in his hands, the hanji-shah, he knows it will be able to cleave through that monster.
Kazier looks to Dril. "That first one nearly killed us. We barely took it out."
"This time it won't be so lucky," says Gashnak.
"How is Lord Destor doing?" Asks Malik.
Treman points to the tower. "He stays there, keeping out of the way. He has given me total control of our forces you know. Lord Destor has a lot on his mind."
Wanting to get some rest, the soldiers here hunker down, eating cold food. They look very tired, the battle has been unending and there are not many defenders left. Most feel that Treman is right, tomorrow, tomorrow will be the final battle one way or the other.
The group goes back up to the main tower, to Captain Frote's room. Alex and Jinx are already there, both sound asleep on the couch. Ganam is there as well, his head down on a book, a burnt out candle nearby. Obviously he has been studying hard, very hard. Scrolls and inks and quills are all across the table, he has been very busy.
Alric flies over and lands next to the sleeping elven sage. "Ganam," he says in a bare whisper into his ear.
He snaps his head up, a bit disoriented. As his eyes focus he smiles. "Guys! You're back! That's great!" He stands up, a bit wobbly but is obviously pleased to see everyone.
"Did you learn anything about the Guardian Sword?" Asks the pixie.
He nods, taking a stiff drink of some brew made with kola berries. "Yes, yes I did. The blade was at a city called Draman Rex, but that is what it's name in the past was. It is now called Bluff City and it is in Brudic."
Hearing that name, Bluff City, it causes a twinge of memory to go off in Malik. He tries to remember what it was, but it fades like a dream. Grinding his teeth and clenching his fist in frustration he knows he has heard of Bluff City before, but what? He curses himself for not knowing.
Turning back to the desk Ganam unfolds a few scrolls. "I have also translated all of Gadrath's spells save one. The Enchantment one is proving very difficult but I have the rest updated and in the proper modern languages. The magic theory should work fine, even with this translation."
Alric excitedly claps his hands, buzzing up and then down on the table. "Excellent! I want to study up on the Gate Spell then! I have an idea how it might help us and I want to get to work on it right away!"
Kazier just shrugs, looking at how animated Alric is, feeling so tired himself. "How is it you have so much energy left?"
Grinning, Alric looks up at the weary elven warrior. "It's because we have such short lives and got to make the best of what we can!"
Dril, Kazier, Wilford, Malik, and even Ganam all go find a place to sleep right away. Tomorrow will be quite a day and they will need all the rest they can get. Only Alric takes sips from the kola drink and reads the scroll intensely. Gashnak watches the pixie for a bit, trying not to think about how short his life might really be. Over the past few months he has grown fond of this annoying little faerie kin.
Getting up Gashnak puts a blanket over the sleeping Alex and Jinx, and then trundles off to a room to rest himself. Looking in a mirror he takes Rangh's resplendent armor off piece by piece. He cannot help but feel like an imposter as he gets out of it, placing the sections carefully on a table nearby. Asgadrath, the bloodsword, and Maurice's saber are all put there too, one at a time.
"Death Shadow, Rangh, you are the guys who should be wearing this armor not me." He then lays back on a rug on the floor, a pillow for his head and falls asleep nearly instantly.
Almost instantly Gashnak hears the sounds of war drums beating. A distant, though powerful voice cries out. "They're coming! To the walls! To the walls! They are here!"
"Damn!" Grumbles Gashnak as he leaps to his feet, rapidly putting armor on as fast as he can. The others hear the call to arms as well and do the same. Alex comes in and gives him some help strapping the armor on.
"You ready for this today?" She asks him, tightening his belts and snaps. "This will be it."
He turns to face her, helmet in hand. "Of course. It is all in the Creator's hands now." He gets close to her, smelling her sweet scent, that of roses and looks into her eyes. "Be careful. If it looks like we're going to lose, take Jinx and run. Get the hell out of here."
Alex just gives him a small smile. "Better not let it get that bad then, because I remember hearing somebody saying once ‘I don't leave my friends behind.'" She stands back, standing straight and tall. "How can you expect me not to do the same?"
Slipping into and strapping on his dragon-hide armor, Dril goes to the window and looks outside at what is transpiring below. Tens of thousands of barbarian warriors are massing, preparing to make a final push to destroy what is left of the defenders of Draman Del. From this vantage point he can see Treman directing what he can, he even sees Captain Frotes below, strapped onto a horse even though he is badly wounded.
Through the enemy ranks comes a great, dark figure. He realizes that this thing must be the Gawk they have all spoken of. It rides a great, black steed, and it's eyes glow as though lit with the fires of hell. The Akrindorians back away from it, from fear or respect, who knows?
The battle begins. Archers begin launching clouds of arrows at each other. Even as the sky begins to lighten people start to die.
Moving back into the main room, Gashnak is again wearing Rangh's armor and looks about. Everyone is there, all of them are ready for battle. "We know what our goal is. We must get the Gawk! Once it's destroyed we can go after the rest of these bastards!"
"A sound plan," says Wilford, looking at his thin rapier. "I hope my blade does not dull from all the killing we must do."
Kazier laughs, "That would suck."
"What about you Alric?" Asks Gashnak, seeing the pixie sitting back on the desk, on top of several rolled out scrolls.
"I've just finished up memorizing the Gate spell." He hops to his feet and his purplish wings buzz some. "I have a plan! If I can get to our reinforcements in time they could be here in hours instead of days!"
Everyone just stops, looks at Alric on the table, and then they look at each other. Dril chuckles. "Well that is a hell of a plan. You think you can do it?"
Alric just waves his tiny arms in the air. "I can try! That's the best I can do!"
"Then you better get a declaration of intent from Lord Destor, he's a few rooms down. Let them know this is official, alright?" Ganam gets a bare piece of parchment for him to take. "Do it and fly like the wind Alric!"
Having the paper in hand Alric flies into the air, that look of maniacal pixie glee on his face. "I will! Just hold out! Do all that you can!"
"We will," says Malik. "Even if we have to trip them up with our dead bodies."
"Nice thought," says Gashnak. "Let's go!"
The group heads out of the tower and gets to the already hard-pressed defensive line at the second wall. On the way there Wilford grabs a Draman Del banner, one set on a spear, and gives it to Gashnak. "You might want this."
The heavily armored orc takes it and they race to the outside. The Zenith have broken through the third wall again and once more are taking horrific casualties from the archers under the command of Nothig. Down below is Frotes with the cavalry, ready to drive any enemy back that might break through.
Malik breaks off, going up to the top of the wall with the archers. He knows he can do his best work from there. Everyone else, including a still tired but better off Jinx go down towards the mid-tunnel in the second wall. There are Draman warriors on the other side in mortal combat with the great tide of barbarians smashing into them.
The group runs to the tunnel, Gashnak in the lead with Asgadrath in one hand and the banner of Draman Del in the other. In a few moments they get to the front of the battle line, Draman soldiers parting for the group as they move on by. Many wonder who this person is, this man in silver and gold armor carrying their standard.
When he comes out into the morning light on the other side of the tunnel his armor sparkles dynamically. Gashnak looks very, very impressive at this moment, raising the standard in one hand and the glittering Asgadrath in the other.
Almost instantly the Akrindorians that are fighting to the front stop, and begin moving backwards. Not retreating, but in awe. They recognize the armor, the sword. There is a look of wonder in them as this happens. The defenders of the city let them move back, holding their line, keeping it intact.
Gashnak stabs the banner down into the ground next to him and takes Asgadrath in both his hands. The barbarians begin chanting, slowly at first, then getting louder and louder. "Ka No Ra! KA NO RA! KA NO RA!" They begin to cry over and over again. Fear begins to flow through them now, and they do indeed shrink back.
Looking to the soldiers to the left and the right, Gashnak can see they are looking at him as well. They are dirtied and tired, but are also wondering what is going on. "Warriors of Draman Del! Of Corvel! It is time!"
Through the ranks of the barbarians rides the monstrous Gawk. Indeed this creature is a full head taller than the one they had destroyed before. It's armor is black, it's eyes glow red, and it's steed seems to breath fire and smoke. The Akrindorians part for him and he dismounts, moving forward with a great spiked mace and an great fanged axe. The ebon stallion moves back as it's master moves forward.
His eyes lock with Gashnak's, and he glares at him with both amusement and hatred. On either side of Gashnak are Alex, Dril, and Kazier, behind are Jinx and Wilford. The dark monster's armor seems to absorb the morning light in opposite contrast to the armor Gashnak is wearing.
On the wall Malik can see what is happening below and what is happening beyond on the fields over the 7th wall. Another Akrindorian army seems to be approaching, this one clothed in black furs instead of grays and browns. He shakes his head, knowing full well he will run out of arrows and have to fall back to his sword. What makes him angriest though is the thought of dying without knowing who he really is.
As the shadowy Gawk's red eyes stare at Gashnak, the orc feels Asgadrath coming to life in his hands. It begins to glow and he feels power flowing back into it. For the briefest of instants, the image of a great, jewelled sword appears above Asgadrath like a reflection. It can only be the true image of the Guardian Sword. Somehow it has restored it's magic to Asgadrath, if even for just a few moments.
Ahead there is a line of Zenith warriors, all looking and watching. On the other are the defenders of Draman Del, doing the same.
The Gawk waves a spiked glove at Gashnak, motioning him forward. He speaks, but when he speaks his voice is like that of leaves covered with frost being slowly crushed underfoot. It is not a pleasant voice, but one from beyond the grave.
"RANGH! YOU LOOK DIFFERENT SINCE LAST WE MET!" His voice is quite powerful and menacing. His hands grab a hold of his fearsome weapons. He swings the spiked mace and fanged axe back and forth, preparing for the battle to come. "YOU LOOK GREENER!"
Ever being the smart-ass that he is, Gashnak yells back. "Didn't we kill you already? Or was that just your ugly brother!"
The Gawk snarls in response, not appreciating the remarks coming his way. It begins stomping forward, nearly ten feet in height, fantastical weapons in either of it's armored hands. The Gawk is coming forward to kill this pretender, and in doing so utterly crush the spirits of those here at the city. "WITH YOUR DEATH THE BATTLE IS OVER!"
Gashnak raises the glowing Asgadrath, pointing it to the sky above. "For Draman Del!" He roars, charging forward to meet the advancing monster. Right beside him come Alex, Dril, and Kazier. They are not letting him run up by himself. Without them, he'll be killed.
As they rush at the Gawk, Jinx makes a quick prayer, whispering it under her breath. Only Wilford is close enough to hear what she's saying. "May the blessing of St. Lyssa and Rellian be with us on this day!" The duellist just nods, hoping that the gods are with them because they do indeed need all the help they can get.
The Gawk looks a little bewildered, seeing four opponents rushing at him instead of just one. He had hoped to meet the one wearing Rangh's armor in single combat, dispatching him quickly and showing his broken corpse to those defending the city. With that they would break, running back into the Cursed Woods, back into Brudic. Draman Del would then be theirs! However, it seems that this imposter has some friends.
Moving faster than the eye can follow, the Gawk begins smashing and hacking with it's weapons down at Gashnak. Incredibly, every blow is met by Asgadrath, gold and red sparks spraying as these weapons hit each other. Even more amazingly Gashnak takes not even a single hit, and stands his ground against the great and mighty Gawk. It screams in inhuman rage at being denied it's kill!
The group surrounds it, and all strike with their wide array of weapons. The Gawk whirls about, knocking blows away over and over, as though fighting with children. Kazier's claws scratch it along the chest, leaving nice marks there but nothing else. Alex's blades, Dril's bloodaxe, and Asgadrath are all deflected. The huge creature moves with a speed that is beyond that of a living being. Literally it blurs as it attacks and defends.
However, it does seem that St. Lyssa and Rellian were listening to Jinx that day.
Turning it's full fury on Gashnak, it strikes again and again and again. It's spiked mace hits him in the abdomen and it's axe glances off his head. The strength of each blow would be enough to kill a dozen men. Gashnak, though a bit shaken and bloodied, still stands, holding the glowing Asgadrath in his hands, meeting the Gawk's hateful glare with one of his own. Rangh's armor has protected it's wearer very well.
Waiting on the wall, Malik decides to take an opportunity here. He aims at an enemy warrior on the other side and lets loose an arrow. It hit's him in the face, right in the nose, and his head snaps back and he screams some. Drawing another arrow he fires again. If they are too busy watching the fight in front of them, tough. He isn't Wilford and doesn't have to play fair when he doesn't want to.
Soon others around him begin doing the same. Before long the Zenith realize what is happening and rush once more at their foes. However, both sides leave a lot of room for the fight that is raging between the Gawk and the Heroes of Draman Del.
The four attack as one, and though the Gawk is supernatural, almost godlike in it's speed, it cannot defend against so many at once. It realizes, in those final instants, that it might have been a mistake to have been so bold to attack as it did. They were only mortals, but who could imagine that they could have such power! Even the one dressed as Rangh has a strength the Gawk could not have imagined.
One of Alex's slender katana's slashes along it's side. Asgadrath strikes as well, the glowing blade stabbing deep through it's dark armor. One of Kazier's blades plunge through it's leg. Dril's blood axe makes great gashes into it's chest as the ill-tempered sprig fights with every bit of strength he has.
Black blood comes gushing out from these terrible wounds, yet the Gawk does not fall. It roars through fanged teeth, renewing a furious attack at Gashnak. It leaves itself open from behind and Kazier runs his draenam blade and claws as deeply as possible into it's back. The blades come out his front but it continues to battle on. It is raging, roaring, still at full strength and power it seems.
Over and over it attacks Gashnak, and it's great mace hits him squarely in the chest, and causes him to stagger back. But he does not fall. Breathing through shattered ribs the orc stays on his feet, clutching the mighty blade Asgadrath in his hands. He does not die, he does not give up.
Alex sees this happening and wonders how much more can he take? She knows that Gashnak is hurt, hurt bad, and so is the Gawk. She wonders if this indeed might be the end, for she feels if Gashnak does die the rest of them will too. As she runs her sword into it's chest all the way to the hilt she wonders what it will take to defeat this seemingly unkillable thing.
From the wall Malik sees the new Zenith army going to the rear of the other one out there. He also spies large, dark objects overing in the sky. His heart sinks, realizing that they are probably dragons and that this indeed will be the last day.
Pointing he yells: "Look! To the skies!" Other archers on the wall see this too, and they too cannot help but feel a wave of doom wash over them.
Standing next to Jinx, Wilford waits as the Zenith warriors come charging in. Being her guardian he does not run, he does not fall back. With two fast stokes of his razor-edged, slender blade, he opens up the midsection of one howling, mohawked warrior and then takes off the head of another. He looks back to Jinx, who raises her eye brows in surprise at his fast actions.
"Nothing will harm you my lady as long as there is breath in me!" Others rush up and he is now fighting not just for his life, but for hers. Drawing his pistol he fires into one's face and runs another through with his sword. He wonders briefly how many heartbeats he might have left.
The warriors of Draman Del and the Zenith barbarians battle each other with a frightening intensity. Both sides know the end is coming soon, but how will it end. The clash of weapons and the other sounds of war fill the air like a symphony of combat.
Quite unexpectedly a bright light, like the light of a directed sun strikes the Gawk. Instantly it shrieks in agony as it's armor begins to glow and smoke as though it is catching on fire. From behind is Jinx, she has cast a power spell of holy sunlight on this monster and it seems to be causing the proper effect.
Immediately it's wounds begin gushing, and it's swings seem wild, spastic. The great monster seems to have been caused more pain by this beam of light than by everyone else's attacks combined.
Falling forward Gashnak drives Asgadrath up to the hilt into it's chest, the great blade sticking nearly three feet out it's back. Yanking the sword back out he spins around and strikes it's head from it's shoulders. A shower of sizzling, black blood erupts from the stump of it's neck and slowly, reluctantly, it falls to it's knees and then topples over. Gashnak boots it's head over towards the Zenith, as though he's using it as a kickball.
As the barbarians see this, a great cry of either rage or despair goes up amongst them. In the far distance comes what seem to be the sounds of great explosions. A feeling of panic and dread floods the fighting Zenith, but they keep battling on, even at the loss of their mighty champion.
As the lifeforce of the Gawk fades, so does the power of Asgadrath. Gashnak feels the blade's magic ebbing away, soon becoming as it was before. A good blade. With it, along with Alex, Dril, and Kazier, they go hacking and chopping into the barbarians who now dare to approach them.
Together the four stand before Wilford and Jinx, and they fight and kill countless enemy warriors who come charging at them, screaming, hollering. Each is slain, their corpses adding to the already great number of dead that continue to mount up all before the Draman line. Above the archers relentlessly fire into the enemy ranks. The slaughter here is incredible.
Alex looks to Gashnak, after taking the weapon arm of one enemy off. "How you doing?" She parries an axe and then strikes him across the middle, his insides splashing outwards.
The orc just nods, blood running down his face, coming out his nose and mouth. She cannot believe how much damage he can take and continue fighting and killing. It's incredible.
Behind him moves up Jinx, putting a healing spell upon him. Over the next few moments some of the great injuries he has taken repair themselves. But only to a degree. Jinx continues to go up and down the line, healing those warriors that need it.
Everyone kills a great number of the Zenith foe, the ground becoming soggy with the spilling of so much blood. It is battle at it's goriest.
The dark objects that Malik had spotted start getting closer and closer. A mighty cheer goes up along the lines of the Draman Del warriors. They recognize them. They are airships from Bachra, a distant country allied to Corvel.
These large and baloon-like vessels float through the air, driven on by whirling blades. From them small cannons rain a continuous series of shot down at the battling Zenith below. Explosions erupt in thier packed ranks and the killing is enormous. There are a dozen of these craft, and their effect on the battle is incredible.
Also, the black army of Zenith that Malik had originally seen are not Zenith at all. They are centaurs, mighty half human, half horse creatues of the Akrindorian plains. They go roaring and charging madly into battle, butchering and slaughtering their foes with great skill. These ferocious beings hack with swords, axes, and use bows extremely well. All those that go against them are shown no mercy.
It is a day of butchery, as what is left of the barbarians are slain. As the morning passes to afternoon the sounds of battle begin to fade. Perhaps over a hundred thousand have perished in this incredible battle on this remarkable day. The numbers will never truly be known.
From their spot on the ground Gashnak and others gaze up at the airships, looking at them in wonder. A cheering Draman soldier points at them. "The Bacharans! They've arrived! And I hear Queen Kayla of the Akrindorians, their REAL leader is commanding the centaurs!"
Dril leans on his bloodied axe, staring out at the carnage. "Un-frikking-believable."
Gashnak goes to where he had planted the banner of Draman Del, picks it up, and somewhat unsteadily makes his way over the ruins and bodies of what lie strewn all about the city. With him goes Alex, Jinx, Kazier and Wilford. There, at the shattered 7th wall, he raises the banner high, roars defiantly and waves it back and forth for all to see.
"Draman Del has not fallen! We are still here!" From behind, the soldiers of Draman Del cheer, seeing their banner. They also know that on this day they are victorious!
Alex puts a hand to Gashnak's shoulder and smiles. "Rellian and St. Lyssa were with us today."
Jinx just smiles. "They always are."
Overhead passes some of the airships, moving slowly like solid clouds over the city. Kazier gazes up in wonder. "That is all just so weird. I have never seen anything like that . . ."
Wilford has the same expression. "I have never even heard of Bachara, but I am glad they are on our side." He shakes his head. "How can such things move through the air? It must be magic."
"Thank Rellian they came when they did," says Jinx. "The battle was getting a bit more dangerous than we usually have."
All of them laugh at that and make their way back to the 2nd wall, leaving the banner of Draman Del firmly planted. As they move on they all start realizing how tired and how hurt they all are. Oddly enough it is Jinx this time who is the one who seems most peppy and full of energy. Everyone else is weary from a day of battle preceeded by even more days of battle.
Two of the great airships throw tethers at the main tower while the other ten head southward. Climbing ropes are also dropped and people begin scaling down. The centaurs also head towards the city, magnificent beings. They are half human, half horse, and seem to be very ferocious and honorable. At least that is the way they look now, just having helped save Draman Del.
On the way there Jinx splits off. "I am feeling better now, I am going to do what I can to heal the injured."
Gashnak touches her hand and looks her in the eyes. "All right Jinx, I know it looks safe but you never know."
"Do indeed be careful my lady," says a very courteous Wilford.
Smiling and waving, Jinx heads out to do what she can for those who have survived this great and terrible battle.
The group returns to the main tower and see General Treman talking with an unusual looking elf. He's bald and with a beard, but also very lanky with several crossbows on his back. The two shake hands and are obviously known to each other.
Gashnak looks up at the airships, still trying to figure why to Rellian they don't just fall to the ground. It must be magic he figures.
The one most amused by them seems to be Dril. "Those are the dammedest things I have ever seen. And trust me, I have seen a lot of dammed things!"
Once there, standing at a respectful distance, Gashnak takes off his helmet. The elven man looks over and laughs. "An orc in plate! Ha!" He merely shrugs, running fingers through his hair, realizing how long it is now getting and how cool it feels to get the armor off his head.
Seeing Gashnak do this Dril does the same. The sprig is a bit suspicious of these people, but that is just in his nature.
The elf steps forward and extends a hand to Gashnak who takes it. He is a bit surprised that the elf does indeed have a strong grip. He figured it would be limp at best but it is strong. "My name is Brell! General Treman and I are old friends. I saw you fighting down below from the airships. My, you do know how to fight!"
"I am Gashnak."
Introductions are made and Brell gives a very pleasant smile and bows when he meets Alex. She smiles back and looks around, as if she has suddenly become embarassed. "Pleased to meet you, dear lady Alex." He gives her a wink and then looks over to Malik and eyes him over as well. "I saw your actions on the wall young lad. I must say I like your use of the bow."
This kind of surprises Malik, who looks over to Wilford a bit quizically wondering if he has just been hit on, praised, or insulted. "Thanks, I guess."
For a few moments they all hold a quick discussion. Treman leaves almost immediately, going back to his troops. A great many of them need his aid and that is where he is going.
Brell seems quite animated, very energetic. Most of the conversation is dominated by him. "Queen Kayla, the true Queen of the Akrindorians, told us of your plight. We from Bachra are longtime allies of Corvel and came here to aid your nation. Our ships will be heading southward to the battle that is raging in your Holaf province. I do think they will be of great help to you."
Dril looks up at the airship. "That's really strange, that thing you came on. What is it?"
Brell laughs. "Why it's a zepplin! It's also called an airship of course. Would you all like to see it? I would be more than pleased to give you a tour," he says, looking at Alex.
Holding up his bloodied hands Gashnak shakes his head. "Uh, Brell, we're tired and dirty. We've all gone through quite a bit here. Maybe we can do this, tour, another time."
Still grinning the bald elf nods in a positive fashion. "Certainly! I look forward to meeting you all again. After you are rested and refreshed I can then show you the wonders we alone in Bachra have!"
While they are talking the centaurs come into the city. They start aiding those who are hurt, providing what help they can. There are a good number of darkly dressed barbarians with them too, ones with pale skin and blonde hair.
One of them, a savage, yet attractive female, approaches them at the tower. She is muscular and has several intricate tatoos. These are ones that remind Alex of the ones Tova had. A great sword and dagger are on her belt, obviously a warrior. Coming along with her is a centaur, battle scarred, obviously a fighter too.
Immediately Brell bows his head and brings it up swiftly. "Queen Kayla! The day is ours!"
She gives him an approving nod, and then looks at the group. Her move slowly, as if she is memorizing the details of everyone. When she speaks it is with a strange accent, but she knows their tongue well enough. "Yes Brell, the day is ours. Are these the people we saw fighting down below, between the walls?"
"Yes they are."
Kayla smiles, eyes a bit narrowed. "Thank you for saving us some of the traitors. We came here to kill them. I was somewhat worried they might all be dead!"
All the males chuckle at her comment, but Alex does not. "Not a problem," says Gashnak. "There were a great many of them."
More introductions are made. The centaur who is with Kayla is Chester. These friendly Akrindorians have distinctly different tatoos from the ones they had been fighting. "Many thanks for your timely arrival," says Malik.
"Glad to have made it in time, in all seriousness. Chester's people and my own are hunting down all these traitors and their leaders. Hopefully by the dawn, they will all be dead with their heads on spears." Kayla has a blunt ferocity to her. She does not polish her words but speaks her mind freely. Being a barbarian and a queen lets her do away with such other frivolities.
From the airships comes bundles of food, which the hungry warriors of Draman Del are more than thankful to get. Amongst Kayla's people are a great many healers who busily go to work. Her soldiers and Chester's centaurs roam the plains, still searching for pockets of those who are the enemy.
Dermon is thrilled to have this help. The old man lays back against one of the walls and instantly goes to sleep along with almost everyone else who helped defend this city. Jinx, somewhat refreshed by these turn of events, moves among them, doing what she can.
As the sun sets the dead are hauled away from the city. They go by the cartload, into great piles outside the 7th wall. The traitorous barbarians are all given the torch. Huge columns of black smoke spiral up into the blue skies. The defenders of Draman Del will be given a more proper funeral when time permits.
The group's encounter with Queen Kayla and Chester is brief though memorable. Before long they head back up to the main tower, back to Captain Frote's office. There they splash some water on their faces, take their armor off, and go to sleep. All are utterly exhausted by today's actions and swiftly they go off to the land of dreams.
Having left the city Alric immediately shape shifts into a swift-moving falcon. Beating his wings as hard as he can, he flies southward. He knows that every minute counts in this. Making it to the reinforcements as fast as he can is what he does.
He finds the group of a thousand warriors, lead by Genral "Wolf" Adran. They are from Greyhelm, Brudic and even some from Green. They are not the vast host of warriors he had hoped for. Most of the soldiers in the land have headed down towards Holaf to join up with Prince Marcus. Alric shows them Destor's note and is then paid attention too and not thought of as merely another silly fairy.
The army waits patiently as Alric sets up the gate spell, taking him an hour to properly craft it. He remembers the motions, the sigils, the proper things he has to do to make it work. Alric works as quickly as he can, imagining all sorts of terrible and horrible things going on back at Draman Del.
With the gate nearly completed, he makes the destination point just half a mile outside of Draman Del, on the Corvel side. He flies through and the rest of the army follows, ready for battle. Alric is ready to hurl explosive spells and deal death to all those who would bring harm to the biggers that are his friends.
What they run into on the other side is something that none of them expected.
There are centaurs, friendly Akrindorians, and great strange floating things by the main tower. The enemy seems to have been destroyed! Alric just breathes deeply, taking all this in wondering if he is having a mad dream once more. Quickly he flies to the Frote's office where he finds his companions all sleeping.
"What a day," he says in a tiny voice. He sets down on Frote's desk, which Ganam seems to have claimed and looks out at the city. The sun is setting and it is quite a remarkable sight. The city is in ruins but it is still there. The banner of Draman Del flies defiantly in the breeze at the 7th wall. It looks like things have gone well. The Fate of Draman Del has ended.
Alric sighs, stretches out his wings, and goes to sleep on one of Ganam's nearby books. He too is exhausted beyond words.
TO BE CONTINUED . . . .
Chronicled by Ken Paynter aka...Gashnak
Back to Session 27, Forward to Session 29